Pope Francis: 'Even in suffering, no one is ever alone'

"Even
in suffering, no one is ever alone because God - in his merciful love
for humanity and for the world - embraces even the most inhuman
situations in which the image of the Creator present in each person
appears blurred or disfigured," Pope Francis said, addressing members of
the Pontifical Council for Health Care Ministry.

Contemplating Christ suffering on the cross is the best education for learning to recognize Christ suffering in all those who are sick or defenseless or hurting, the Pope said.

Highlights

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The pope stressed that the fragility of human life is part of its beauty. He said that it is something people only really learn by being close to, sharing with and caring for those who are suffering.

Meeting council members, Pope Francis said Blessed John Paul II, who will be canonized on April 27, was a living example of the call to "do good by suffering and do good for those who suffer."

People responded "with much affection and veneration, recognizing that God was with him," in response to Blessed John Paul's example and teaching.

God is always present with those who suffer. This was particularly true during the suffering and passion of Jesus. "In him, every human pain, every anguish, every suffering was assumed out of love, out of the pure desire to be close, to be with us."

Contemplating Christ suffering on the cross is the best education for learning to recognize Christ suffering in all those who are sick or defenseless or hurting, the Pope said.

"The experience of fraternal sharing with those who suffer opens us to the true beauty of human life, which includes its fragility," the pope said. "In safeguarding and promoting life - at every stage and in any condition it is found - may we recognize the dignity and value of every human being from conception to death."

Pope Francis Prayer Intentions for DECEMBER 2016
Universal: End to Child-Soldiers: That the scandal of child-soldiers may be eliminated the world over.
Evangelization: Europe: That the peoples of Europe may rediscover the beauty, goodness, and truth of the Gospel which gives joy and hope to life.

Comments

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